“Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the Law of Christ.”

(Galatians 6:2, ESV).

The Stephen Ministry began in 1975 and is established in many churches across the United States. We train Christians to come alongside those going through difficult times in life. These trained caregivers are called “Stephen Ministers,” and they commit to meeting one hour each week with a care receiver. For more information about what a Stephen Minister does click here.

  • Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.

  • A Stephen Minister walks alongside a hurting person to provide one-to-one, emotional and spiritual care—listening, empathizing, encouraging, helping process feelings, and connecting the person with God’s love. Serving in this role is an opportunity to put your spiritual gifts into action and touch people’s lives in powerful ways.

    Typically, a Stephen Minister meets with his or her care receiver in person for about an hour a week.

  • In Acts 6, Stephen was among those chosen to provide caring ministry to those in need. Since Jesus’ time, caring ministry has been a hallmark of the Christian faith community.

  • Stephen Ministers are members of your congregation trained to provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care. They have a compassionate heart for those who are hurting, and they’re equipped with caring ministry skills by their Stephen Leaders. A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week to listen, care, pray, encourage, and offer emotional and spiritual support.

  • Stephen Minister training teaches principles and skills that equip you to provide high-quality, Christ-centered emotional and spiritual care to others.

    • Gives you insight into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of people who are hurting.

    • Equips you with relational and caring skills you can apply to all aspects of your life.

    • Helps deepen your faith as the Holy Spirit fashions you into a Christ-centered caregiver.

    • Builds a special bond of Christian community and camaraderie among all those in your class.

    • Is highly interactive, engaging, and a lot of fun!

The Blessings of Stephen Ministry:

  • You carry out Christ’s commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12 RSV) in a powerful and practical way.

  • Pastors have a team of gifted, trained, and committed caregivers ready to minister to hurting people.

  • Caregivers nurture and use their gifts in meaningful ministry, growing spiritually as they serve others.

  • People who are hurting have a caring Christian presence to provide emotional and spiritual support.

In short, Stephen Ministry helps carry out the mission of the church. If God has given you a heart of compassion, a gift for listening well, and a desire to serve those in need, we encourage you to prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.